Annoying Features: Who Thought of That?

Every now and then I'll run across some feature of a car that really throws me. Why did the designers do that? What's that for? Who thought of that? Here are a few that are on my mind today. If you have some, please share in the comments.

2012 Honda Odyssey: A friend just bought a new Honda Odyssey and she's thrown by the way the radio displays the time and the station: It displays the current time, the radio band, and to the far right the station number. For example, "3:45 AM       680." It annoys her and gets confusing. Maybe if she didn't listen to AM stations...

Sienna cupholders

2011 Toyota Sienna: (This one comes from a friend who is a new Sienna owner.) Where are you supposed to put your iPhone/iPod once you plug it into the auxiliary port and/or charger? On the floor where you can't see it? Or in a cup holder (where you want to put your coffee cup)? Maybe get a little suction cup thing to attach to the cheapy plastic dash?

2011 Chevrolet Malibu: I had this as a rental car and it took me 20 minutes to figure out how to get the gas tank door open to fill up the tank. I would have just skipped this step if the gas at the rental place didn't cost $8/gallon. There wasn't a release lever or button in the car. There wasn't a finger hold on the gas tank door. How in the world was I supposed to know that you press on the door and it pops open? I even looked for the book in the glove compartment, but it wasn't there. A little sticker on the gas tank door would have been helpful. Especially for a rental car.

2001-2009 Lexus RX300: Cup holders. The cup holders in the older RX were ridiculously short and would only keep a kid-sized drink upright through any braking or turns. Super annoying. 



(c) Copyright 2010-2016. Erika JN Fish. Car Mama. All Rights Reserved.

2011 Toyota Prius: Even This Car Snob Gets It

I still feel a bit like George Jetson when I take off down the street in our new 2011 Prius. It's quiet and has a little high-pitched hum. If only I had a robot maid at home to keep things running smoothly while I'm out silently driving around town... 

Highlights:

• Combined Mileage of 50 MPG with 47 MPG in town and 52 MPG on the highway (my real-world numbers from real-world driving)
• Easy-to-Understand Options Packages (but those are pricey)
• Fits in Small Parking Spaces
• Great Turning Radius
• Takes 87 Octane in it's 11.9 Gallon Tank
• Useful Cargo-area Underfloor Storage
• Push-button Start & Smart Key
• 60/40 Rear Seat

2012 Ford Explorer - 225,000 Miles or Bust

Before 2011, Ford Explorers were never high on my list of vehicles with exciting design, so when I heard about the re-design, I didn't give it much thought since the last re-design wasn't what it said it was. But then I saw it. Finally an Explorer that's up-to-date, not too round, and not to square. But would it perform up to the standards that Explorer owners expect? Could it bring buyers from other brands? 

2012 Audi A3 TDI: Cute, Comfortable & Beyond Competent

The new Audi A3 TDI Premium is a great option for anyone who wants a competent wagon with a turbo diesel engine. The diesel gets you great mileage, some eco street cred, and a few talking points at dinner parties, PTA meetings and lacrosse practices. Add the soundbite "My Audi's B5 approved," and you may get an invitation to see the local biodiesel factory.  But hurry -- more and more people are now driving the 2010 Green Car of the Year.

2011 Nissan Quest: Big & Modern

The Nissan Quest has a new look for 2011, and like the previous design, it isn't going to appeal to every one. I'm OK with that because the Quest drives like a much smaller vehicle, is incredibly smooth, and the technology inside overshadows the odd external styling. The 2011 Quest has creature comforts just right for an active family (including more dedicated storage space), and the drive is comfortable and enjoyable.